Upon completion of studying this chapter by reading chapter 1 in the textbook and listening to this lecture the student should be able to:
• Define criminal investigation.
• Summarize the primary goals of the criminal investigation.
• List and describe the basic functions performed by investigators.
• Understand the intellectual, psychological, and physical characteristics possessed by an effective investigator.
• Describe the key aspects of the initial investigation.
• Explain how investigators decide whether or not to pursue a criminal investigation and what information they consider in this process.
• Identify the various individuals and entities with whom successful investigatorsinterrelate.
• Describe some of the ways investigators can protect against civil lawsuits.